Smokeless tobacco is harmful for kids

By Liz DeCarlo

Senior Editor

Smokeless tobacco may be a less carcinogenic alternative to
smokers trying to cut the habit, but the products are increasingly
putting young children in harm's way.

Between 2006 and 2008, according to a study of
poison control center data, more than 13,500 children under age 6
were poisoned after accidentally ingesting tobacco products. The
study, published in Pediatrics, found smokeless tobacco products
were second only to cigarettes as a primary source of ingested
poison.

A majority of the accidental ingestions involved
children younger than 1, according to the study. Just one milligram
of nicotine ingested by a young child can result in nausea and
vomiting; more nicotine can cause convulsions, respiratory arrest
or death.

The study expressed particular concern about newer
products, such as Camel Orbs, which closely resemble candy pellets.
Products such as snus, which come packed in small paper packets,
are flavored and could entice a young child.

The recently signed Family Smoking Prevention and
Tobacco Control Act does not cover smokeless tobacco
products.

Smokeless tobacco may be a less carcinogenic alternative to
smokers trying to cut the habit, but the products are increasingly
putting young children in harm's way.

Between 2006 and 2008, according to a study of poison control
center data, more than 13,500 children under age 6 were poisoned
after accidentally ingesting tobacco products. The study, published
in Pediatrics, found smokeless tobacco products were second only to
cigarettes as a primary source of ingested poison.

A majority of the accidental ingestions involved children younger
than 1, according to the study. Just one milligram of nicotine
ingested by a young child can result in nausea and vomiting; more
nicotine can cause convulsions, respiratory arrest or death.

The study expressed particular concern about newer products, such
as Camel Orbs, which closely resemble candy pellets. Products such
as snus, which come packed in small paper packets, are flavored and
could entice a young child.

The recently signed Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control
Act does not cover smokeless tobacco products.